1998 MONTGOMERY FAMILY REUNION

Just three months after Lee Montgomery was recognized as the eldest member of our family at the Final Millenium Reunion held in Charleston SC last July, he recounts this story:

A First Meeting

Last Wednesday, October 28, 1998, while visiting my doctor, I heard Nurse Michelle call, "Mr. Montgomery." The gentleman sitting 2 chairs from me responded, "Yes." It was at this point that I introduced myself to him. We began to chat. During our brief discourse, I learned that he was born in Alabama. As we talked, Monroeville, Beatrice and Montgomery Hill were all a part of our conversation. He doesn't have a computer, but his daughter does. Her name is Myra Reed, email address: Deerlm@aol.com. His name is Joe Montgomery, son of Jack Montgomery, grandson of Sinbad Montgomery and great grandson of London Montgomery. I told him about the Montgomery Family Reunion and that Gary Montgomery of Houston was there. We didn't talk too long as his appointment was next. For your information his address is: 1811 Godfrey Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141, telephone 215.424.4596.

This mini-reunion tells the story of the connections felt in Charleston, South Carolina. It wasn't the savory rounds of food barbecuing on the grill, or the succulent lowcountry crack-crab feast. It wasn't the sobering business meeting which reminded us of our deep connection in monetary ways. It wasn't the bus ride through historical Charleston to hear the story of the 54th Calvary. It wasn't the sultry rhythms and jubilant gyrations performed at the banquet dance. It wasn't the powerfully riveting sermon preached by our dear host Reverend Isaac "Butch" Holt, Jr., or the sumptuous breakfast prepared for us by his adoring congregants. Yet, this mini-reunion attests to the strength of Montgomery's and Stallworth's roots when faces are given names and hugs given feeling.

The amiableness of Hampton Inn was enriched by the exchange of cordialities among acquainted and newly-acquainted. Babies stood with elders. Spouses stood with mates and newly-created relatives as we gathered for the on-time limousine service to and from the home of our hosts as well as to scheduled and unscheduled events.

At Butch and Jannie's, we sprawled onto their huge backyard to hear about the family business. We acknowledged those who gave so freely of their monies to defray some of the expenses. We realized the urgency of maintaining a fund to keep hope alive for the next reunion. It was done. We listened for our connections during the roll call. We remembered the beloved ancestors.

Then, Jerry Lavell Johnson, Great-grandson of Jerry and Emma, gave an absolutely outstanding speech expressing his deep sense of gratitude: to his elder brother who served as surrogate father; to the family who walked with him through undergraduate days at the University of Tennessee; then, again with him as he continued to accrue honors at Harvard University ; and celebrate with him now in his work on Wall Street. Our hearts rejoiced at his saying.

Thelma Brown blessed us with inspiring and comforting words of prayer before Wayne Hooper warmed us with his song. And the historical account rendered by Bennie does all of us proud! Lee, Bill, and Bennie, an amalgam of nearly two hundred years of life-experience and expertise, continue to hone their collective skills using twenty-first century technology and state of the art research venues to facilitate our genealogy. We applaud their tenacious resolve to collate our family's story.

The Millenium Banquet Feast gave rise to four new positions which will serve to preserve, promote and secure the rich traditions and legacies of the Montgomery and Stallworth family into the next millenium. These residencies and the designees are as follows:

The Historians-in-Residence shall be:

• Bennie McRae - email: usctcw@yahoo.com

The Composer-in-Residence shall be:

• Myra Montgomery